Posts for: August, 2014

According to a new study done by scientists at the University of Central Lancashire, runners who wear orthotic insoles have a lower chance of injuring their Achilles tendons than those who don’t wear them. While conducting the study, the researchers recorded data about the biomechanics and strike forces of 12 male test subjects as they ran on a sensor-equipped mat.

The scientists discovered that when the runners wore insoles on their feet, the load placed on their Achilles tendons was much less. “This probably happens because orthotics offer further cushioning to that already provided by the shoe midsole,” said Jonathan Sinclair of Central Lancashire’s Division of Sport, Exercise, and Nutritional Sciences.

Having an injured Achilles tendon is always a very painful and unpleasant experience. To get help with this kind of problem, contact a podiatrist like Dr. Brian Tedesco of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Dr. Tedesco will identify the specific nature of your condition and get you the proper care.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body, and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

- Inflammation

- Dull to Severe Pain

- Increased blood flow to the tendon

- Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot

- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation. Often the doctor will order an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment will involve rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries.

For more information about Achilles Tendon Injuries, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Reading, MA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a condition that occurs when uric acid begin to build up in the joints and makes them painfully inflamed. It has been nicknamed the “Rich Man’s Disease” for affecting monarchs like King Henry VIII. Famous explorer Christopher Columbus even developed it.

Gout has now become a problem for all kinds of people, like 82-year-old Glen Bonin. It is a form of arthritis that often affects the big toe. Many scientists believe that the worldwide proliferation of obesity might have something to do with the fact that more people are getting gout now than ever before.

Obese people are often prone to developing foot conditions and have to take extra care of their lower extremities. If you are overweight, it might be wise to talk to a podiatrist like Dr. Brian Tedesco of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Dr. Tedesco can analyze the current health of your feet and advise you on any changes he thinks you should make in terms of how you care for them.

Obesity and your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. The pain and stiffness involved with this condition can be so debilitating that the act of walking becomes an issue.

For more information about Obesity and Your Feet, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Reading, MA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Joe Legat of Waukegan, Illinois has loved running for most of his life. At first he just ran around his neighborhood, but later he started participating in marathons in places like Chicago and Los Angeles. Eventually he found out about 50Sub4, a club that only admits runners who have completed a marathon in less than four hours in every U.S. state.

Legat started doing everything he could to become a member, even running races on consecutive days sometimes. He hit a few stumbling blocks along the way, such as developing Morton’s neuroma in his foot and a condition called atrial fibrillation in his heart, but a few months ago he finished a marathon in Hawaii and was finally able to claim his membership to 50Sub4.

Morton’s neuroma can be a painful burden. To get professional care for this condition, speak to podiatrist Dr. Brian Tedesco of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Dr. Tedesco will do everything he can to treat your Morton’s neuroma and get you back on your feet again.

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the third and fourth toe and the ball of the foot, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible to this condition. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones. Women are more likely than men to have an occurrence of this foot condition. When a person has Morton's neuroma, it can feel as if they are walking on stones or marbles.

What Increases the Chances of having Morton’s Neuroma?
-Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot area.
-Jogging, running and any sports that involve constant impact to the foot area.
-Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformity may put you at a higher risk for developing Morton’s neuroma.

If you suspect that you may have this condition, you should visit your podiatrist. A podiatrist will first conduct a thorough physical examination to check for palpable masses between the bones of the foot.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Reading, MA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Josh Zeid, a pitcher for the Astros, will have to miss the rest of the season to recover from two separate foot surgeries he’s having done. Zeid has sesamoiditis in both feet. Doctors will operate on his right foot first and then do his left foot six weeks after.

If everything goes according to plan Zeid will be back on his feet in time for spring training before next season starts. This year he gave up 18 runs in 20 2/3 innings, split up over the course of 23 games.

Since sesamoiditis can make even standing painful, it’s no wonder that Zeid opted to have surgery. If you are dealing with pain in the bones of your feet, visit podiatrist Dr. Brian Tedesco of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Dr. Tedesco can determine whether or not you have sesamoiditis and do everything he can to treat your condition.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

Sudden increase in activity

Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up

Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

For more information about Sesamoiditis, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Reading, MA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.